DCH e-links with world of healthcare

Published 12:38 pm, Monday, April 25, 2016

"Not any more," said Ed Gamache, administrator at DCH, in a written statement.

Through a grant received from the Michigan Department of Community Health, the small facility is now electronically linked through the Trinity Health System, the newly established Catholic Health System, and Radiology Associates of Port Huron.

One of the most exciting aspects of the program is the newly-installed teleradiology system, reads the statement. Radiology films that previously had to wait to be read by visiting radiologists will be electronically sent to Port Huron where the radiologist will be able to read and complete medical reports or call ER physicians to confirm a patient's condition. Research has shown a decrease in the need to transfer patients when such systems are put in place.

"This will help to address a concern expressed by many of the hospital's patients, 'Why can't I stay here?'" said Gamache.

Through the new system, all employees have access to the Internet by accessing one of the many computer terminals available throughout the hospital, and 40 employees have direct access to the Intranet through Mercy Hospital-Port Huron. This is allowing administrative and clinical employees to literally communicate with the world of healthcare providers and professional organizations through their own personnel e-mail accounts.

In addition, a state-of-the-art teleconference system was installed, which will allow physician conferences to take place with the medical staff of Mercy Hospital in Port Huron.

"With the new teleconference system installed, we will be able to provide even more opportunities for our staff and community to attend training seminars and educational programs previously unavailable in our community," Gamache said in the statement.

The total cost of the project was in excess of $200,000 with $138,000 from state funding sources. The remaining amount was provided by the participants, which include Deckerville Community Hospital, Mercy Hospital and Radiology Associates of Port Huron, who have been providing professional services to DCH for five years.

Verizon and Ameritech telephone services link the computerized systems through two high-speed T-1 communications lines provided. Special grant funds through the Universal Services Access Program have been made available to offset the cost of the lines.

"This is only the beginning of opening up a whole new world of access for patients to systems of care that can respond to their needs using physicians and information that hasn't been available in rural areas," added Gamache.

Future plans include a new security system that will allow more patient information to be sent through the system, reducing the tune it takes for patients' reports to be completed and included in their files.